Contact Lenses: HSA Eligibility

Contact lens insurance is not eligible under a Health FSA because it is an insurance premium, and contact lenses purchased solely for the purpose of changing eye color are ineligible because they are for cosmetic purposes. Eligible expenses for Limited FSAs can vary. To find out exactly what your Limited FSA covers, contact your FSA administrator.

Private Letter Ruling 7308270520A

Contact lenses, like eyeglasses or LASIK, can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. About 20% of Americans who need their vision corrected wear contact lenses. Contact lenses can provide a full field of unobstructed vision, which is great for being active and participating in sports.

How do I choose the best contact lenses for me?

Most eyecare centers provide several options for contact lenses. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right kind and brand of contact lenses. The first is the physical material of the contact lenses. Traditional soft contact lenses provide the best comfort and adjust quickly when put in.

This contrasts with harder gas permeable (GP) lenses which require a period of adaptation before they become comfortable. However, GP lenses provide better vision because they have a hard and polished surface. This also allows this lens to last longer since they don’t rip as easily, possibly translating to cost benefits over time.

A huge factor to note is if you have astigmatism since there are specific lenses designed to account for that. These lenses enable the lens to rotate to the proper orientation on the cornea in order to correct blurred vision.

Another factor to consider when choosing which contact lenses are right for you is the duration or how long you can wear them. Some are made for daily wear and have to be disposed of at the end of each day. Extended wear contact lenses range anywhere from 7 days to a month in terms of how long you can wear them (WebMD).

How do I take proper care of my contact lenses?

Make sure to use proper technique and care when putting in and taking out contact lenses. Always clean your hands with soap and water before touching your contact lenses. Do not wear them when swimming, showering, sleeping. After you remove your contact lenses from your eyes, place them in disinfecting solutions. Clean your contact lens case with disinfecting solution from time to time, and also replace your contact lens case every three months (U.S. Food and Drug Administration).